Ice Cube, born O’Shea Jackson Sr. on June 15, 1969 in South Central Los Angeles, is an American rapper, actor, songwriter, and film producer. He rose to fame as a member of N.W.A. and later built a successful solo music career and Hollywood filmography. His estimated net worth stands around $60 million as of 2024–2025.
From the streets of South Central to the silver screen, Ice Cube has remained a constant force in pop culture. His lyrics gave voice to a generation, and his movie roles made him a household name far beyond hip hop circles.
Whether through the timeless anthem “It Was a Good Day” or his comedic turn in the Friday series, Cube continues to influence music, film, and business. This article covers his movies, songs, net worth, family, and latest activities.
What movies has Ice Cube starred in?
June 15, 1969
O’Shea Jackson
Rapper, Actor, Producer
N.W.A, Friday, “It Was a Good Day”, Boyz n the Hood
- Ice Cube is a pioneering figure in West Coast hip hop, known for his sharp lyrics and role in N.W.A.
- He successfully transitioned from rapper to actor, starring in iconic films like Friday and Boyz n the Hood.
- His net worth is estimated around $60 million, built from music, film, and business ventures like the BIG3 basketball league.
- Ice Cube remains culturally relevant through new music, tours, and social commentary.
- He has four children, including actor O’Shea Jackson Jr.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Born | June 15, 1969 (South Central Los Angeles, California) |
| Full Name | O’Shea Jackson Sr. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupations | Rapper, songwriter, actor, film producer, entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 1987–present |
| Genres | Hip hop, gangsta rap, political hip hop |
| Labels | Ruthless, Priority, Lench Mob, Capitol/EMI |
| Children | 4, including O’Shea Jackson Jr. |
What are Ice Cube’s most iconic songs?
Cube’s music career spans ten solo albums and countless hits. His most iconic song is “It Was a Good Day” from the 1992 album The Predator. Other enduring tracks include “Check Yo Self”, “You Know How We Do It”, “No Vaseline”, “Bop Gun (One Nation)”, “Why We Thugs”, and “Pushin’ Weight”.
Key Songs
- “It Was a Good Day” (1992) – widely considered his signature track.
- “Check Yo Self” (1993) – featuring Das EFX.
- “You Know How We Do It” (1993).
- “No Vaseline” (1991) – a scathing diss track aimed at N.W.A. members.
- “Bop Gun (One Nation)” (1993) – a Top 40 pop hit with George Clinton.
The meaning behind “It Was a Good Day”
The song paints a picture of a near-perfect day in South Central Los Angeles, free from the violence and tension that often characterized the rapper’s environment. It stands as a hopeful counterpoint to the aggressive gangsta rap of the era.
“It Was a Good Day” has been sampled, referenced, and covered countless times. In 2015, the Library of Congress added the track to the National Recording Registry for its cultural significance.
What is Ice Cube’s net worth?
According to publicly available estimates, Ice Cube’s net worth is approximately $60 million as of 2024–2025. This figure is derived from his music sales, film roles, production work, and business interests such as the BIG3 basketball league.
No official 2025 net worth has been published by Ice Cube or his representatives. The $60 million figure is an inference based on his career longevity, reported earnings, and industry standards. Sources like Contactmusic.com have cited similar approximations.
Who is Ice Cube’s son?
Ice Cube’s eldest son, O’Shea Jackson Jr. (born February 24, 1991), followed his father into the entertainment industry. He portrayed a young Ice Cube in the 2015 biographical film Straight Outta Compton. Jackson Jr. has also appeared in films like Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Den of Thieves.
Some online confusion exists about Ice Cube’s family. He has four children total, but O’Shea Jackson Jr. is the only one who has pursued a public acting career. The other three children are O’Shea’s sons and daughters with his wife Kimberly Woodruff.
What is Ice Cube doing now and what’s the latest news?
As of 2025, Ice Cube remains active in multiple fields. He continues to tour, with two live performances announced for April 2026 on his official website. He also co-founded the BIG3 basketball league, a 3-on-3 professional league that operates during the summer months.
In addition, Cube occasionally releases new music and posts updates on social media. His last studio album, Everythang’s Corrupt, dropped in 2018. Fans can follow his Instagram and official site for the latest announcements.
Career timeline
- 1969 – Born O’Shea Jackson in South Central Los Angeles.
- 1987 – Co-founded the group N.W.A.
- 1988 – N.W.A releases Straight Outta Compton.
- 1991 – Debut solo album AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted; film debut in Boyz n the Hood.
- 1992 – Released The Predator, including “It Was a Good Day”.
- 1995 – Co-wrote and starred in Friday.
- 2017 – Co-founded the BIG3 basketball league.
- 2025 – Announced tour dates for 2026.
Did Ice Cube appear in War of the Worlds?
No, Ice Cube did not appear in the 2005 film War of the Worlds starring Tom Cruise. The persistent search query likely arises from confusion with another project, such as a video game adaptation or a different film entirely. No verified connection exists between Ice Cube and that production.
The following table clarifies what is known and what remains uncertain:
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Ice Cube was born on June 15, 1969 in South Central Los Angeles. | Ice Cube did NOT appear in the 2005 film War of the Worlds. The search query likely refers to a different production, a video game, or a misunderstanding. |
| He is a founding member of N.W.A. | No verified connection exists between Ice Cube and the 2005 War of the Worlds film. |
| He has acted in films including Boyz n the Hood, Friday, and Barbershop. | – |
Context and cultural impact
Ice Cube’s influence on hip hop is profound. Through his work with N.W.A., he helped bring gangsta rap to the mainstream. His solo music, especially “It Was a Good Day”, remains a cultural touchstone. Beyond music, his film career and entrepreneurial ventures like the BIG3 league demonstrate versatility. He continues to speak on social and political issues. For a deeper look at the group that launched his career, read the Complete History of N.W.A.
Quotes and sources
“Today was a good day.”
Ice Cube, “It Was a Good Day” (1992)
“I’m the type of guy that would walk up to a bigot and knock him out with a bottle of malt liquor.”
Ice Cube, interview
Where can I find pictures of Ice Cube?
Official pictures are available on Ice Cube’s Instagram and his official website. High-quality press photos can also be found on Getty Images and Wikipedia. For a complete filmography, visit Ice Cube on IMDb.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ice Cube’s real name?
His real name is O’Shea Jackson Sr.
How old is Ice Cube?
He was born on June 15, 1969, making him 56 years old as of 2025.
How many children does Ice Cube have?
He has four children with his wife Kimberly Woodruff.
What is Ice Cube’s biggest song?
“It Was a Good Day” is widely considered his biggest hit.
Did Ice Cube leave N.W.A.?
Yes, he left the group in December 1989 to pursue a solo career.
What is the BIG3 league?
BIG3 is a 3-on-3 professional basketball league co-founded by Ice Cube in 2017.
Where was Ice Cube born?
He was born in South Central Los Angeles, California.
What year did Ice Cube start acting?
His first film role was in Boyz n the Hood (1991).
Does Ice Cube still make music?
He releases music occasionally; his most recent album is Everythang’s Corrupt (2018).
Is Ice Cube in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
N.W.A was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 as a group.
To understand the musical movement he helped define, explore our West Coast Hip Hop Guide.
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